‘Loved Ones’ supports families dealing with addiction

POINT PLEASANT — The Loved Ones Support Group is set to begin meeting every Thursday starting today.

Meetings begin at 6 p.m. every week at Main Street Baptist Church, 1100 Main Street in Point Pleasant.

This new series is based on the book “Baffled by Addiction” by Ed Hughes of South Point, Ohio. Each week will feature a video and discussion led by Robin Jones, one of the founders of the group, which is now entering its sixth year.

Jones got involved with “Loved Ones” after attending a drug prevention coalition meeting and learning about a similar group that met in Huntington. She decided to start doing the same thing for families in Mason County. Along with Greg Kaylor of the Bend Area, they began meeting with people whose loved ones are dealing with addiction.

Both Kaylor and Jones have had a loved one dealing with addiction, which led them to start this group. While Kaylor has since stepped down from leading the group, Jones continues to help others dealing with the same problems she has had to face.

“The main point is to let people know that there is hope, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” said Jones. “People need to remember that they have to take care of themselves before they can care for others.”

Jones explained that the most important function of the group is bridging the gap between struggling families and available resources.

“We help locate recovery facilities for people’s family members, we work with local law enforcement to help with prevention, and we try to help addicts get help before they do something too bad,” stated Jones.

The group will last seven weeks, and is open to everyone, although children under 13 should not attend due to the nature of the content. Child care services will also not be provided. The group costs nothing for participants, and those interested do not have to attend all of the meetings, they can attend whenever they are available.

The meetings are very informal, and participants can remain anonymous if they choose. The group is not directly affiliated with any particular church denomination either.

“It has become like a family to me. We have bonded over dealing with these issues,” said Jones, who is eager to help more families. She is also actively seeking another person to help lead the group along with her.